Calgary Athlete + Spectator information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q : How many matches do I get to watch with my tickets?A : Your ticket gets you access to all four matches on competition night. You can come whenever you like and stay as long as you want. One men’s and one women’s match run simultaneously - with one match starting at 6:30pm and the next immediately following.

Q : Do you have different ticket rates for adults and kids?A : Yes! Tickets can be purchased for kids age 3-11 at 50% off, and kids under 3 are FREE!

Q : Do you sell group tickets?A : We do special rates for groups of 10 or more. Contact us at calgary@onevolleyball.org for more information.

Q : What is the purpose of the Premier League?A : The Premier League was created to establish professional volleyball to Canada. We provide off-season training and competition for both athletes returning from contracts overseas, and current University / College athletes who are looking to play alongside former Pro's, National Team athletes and all-stars that will enhance their own game - a true Pro-Am experience. In addition, we help give athletes the platform and recognition to get their first contract overseas!

Q : Is there a fee to play in the League?A : No, athletes do not pay to play in the Premier League however you are required to pay a $25 application fee, and may be required to pay a deposit to your club.

Q : Is there prize money?A : Yes, prize money for the 2019 is TBA.

Q : How is prize money distributed?A : Prize money awarded during the Finals are split between all athletes equally.

Q : How many athletes are on a team?A : Teams are allowed to pick up to 12 athletes to their roster.

Q : I was on a team last year, do I have to apply for the 2019 draft?A : Yes. Unless you are offered a protected athlete contract by your previous team. Before the season begins, teams may protect up to three (3) athletes from their previous season’s roster, and may pre-draft one (1) International or OOP player to their roster. This leaves up to 8 spots per team available to be filled through our Athlete Draft. All athletes, even if you are offered a contract by your Club, need to apply for the draft.

Q : Who picks the teams?A : Each club has a coach who is responsible for selecting players through a closed athlete draft. Coaches are required to attend the Athlete Showcase - a talent ID event where athletes can demonstrate and test their skills.

Q : Who are the coaches / clubs?A : Please see our Teams section. Coaches will be announced before the League.

Q : When do I find out if I've been selected?A : Athletes who have been selected to a team will be notified on May 15 following the Closed Draft. Those athletes must be attend the live draft announcement taking place on May 17.

Q : Are there any restrictions as to who can play in the league?A : Athletes must be at least 18 years of age or entering their first year of University or College in order to participate in the League. These athletes may be required to submit proof of acceptance to school or their school's volleyball team. There are no geographic restrictions.

Q : Will playing in the league affect my USport/CCAA eligibility?A : No, the league does not conflict with USport or CCAA eligibility requirements. In fact, one of the reasons we started this was to provide off-season training to those athletes. USport Eligiblity guide.CCAA Eligibility guide. Currently, NCAA athletes are not eligible to play in the Premier League.

Q : Am I considered a professional athlete if I play for the Calgary Premier League? A : No. While our goal is to establish professional volleyball in Canada, the league currently serves as a pro-am development and off-season training opportunity for athletes. Our mission is to operate the league in a professional manner. There is prize money awarded to teams during playoffs and finals, which players can opt out of due to restrictions on them as athletes, and there are contracts in order to legitimize your commitment to your team and the League.

Q : I am a professional athlete during the regular season, am I covered under some sort of insurance policy?A : We offer Sport Accident Insurance for all participants in the League (athletes must have OHIP to qualify), but we also offer salary protection for Professional Athletes competing in our League. Please see our Athlete Resources section below for more information (coming soon).

Q : I compete in the USAV National Championships, does that affect anything?A : Scheduling is always tight for this event, and while it is understood that players are going to be competing in this event, it is fully expected that they are back in Canada to compete on May 30th on opening night. The 2019 USAV National Championships are May 24-29, 2019 in Ohio.

Q : When will teams practice and where?A : Practices will be once a week during the regular season (June - July) and will be scheduled by the club. Practices will be scheduled in Calgary within a reasonable travel distance, accessible by transit. Attendance at practices are mandatory, unless otherwise arranged with your club.

Q : How do I increase my chances of getting picked?A : The best way to increase your chances of being picked is to attend the Athlete Showcase, a mandatory event for Draft Applicants - this event allows you to compete side by side with other draft applicants and former League participants. You may also provide a link to a highlight reel of you playing in recent, high level competition along with your draft application.

Q : I am not from Canada, am I eligible to play? A : Yes. If you are not a Canadian citizen or have permanent residency, you are considered an International player and are eligible to play in the League. International athletes do not necessarily have to go through the Athlete Draft and can be recruited and signed by a team prior to May 1. Teams are able to sign one (1) International athlete outside of the Athlete Draft. If you are interested in playing, please email our teams to inquire about playing for their club. All international athletes must apply to the Athlete Draft regardless of if they are offered a contract before May 1st.

IMPORTANT 2019 DATES TO REMEMBER:

May 1 : Athlete Draft registration closes

May 2 : Deadline for an athlete to sign a protected athlete contract from their prior club. Deadline for athletes who received an offer from their prior club to refuse(Official Appeal Template)

May 2 : Athlete Showcase

May 15 : Closed Athlete Draft - athletes will be notified whether or not they have been selected to a team immediately following this event. Note: Emails may be delivered up to or past midnight.

May 17 : CalgaryAthlete Draft - the media event that launches the League - all athletes are required to be in attendance.